Opposition parties in India have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately targeting Muslim establishments in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. They allege that demolition drives are being carried out to gain political advantage and deepen communal polarization. Central to the controversy is the Rampur Development Authority’s decision to demolish 38 of the 40 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, founded by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan. Similar operations in Sambhal and other districts have also drawn criticism.

SP leader and MP Afzal Ansari described the actions as a “heinous plan,” predicting that such drives will intensify as elections approach. The Congress Party echoed the allegations, claiming the BJP is using communal tactics to distract from failures in development and employment. Congress national secretary Shahnawaz Alam said these moves contradict India’s pluralistic ideals.

Opposition leaders have sought Supreme Court intervention, arguing that the judiciary must protect citizens’ fundamental rights from executive overreach. The Uttar Pradesh government and BJP have denied all allegations, asserting that the demolitions follow legal procedures against illegal encroachments.